Toyota recalls 2400 cars in New Zealand

Last updated 00:01 15/11/2012

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Toyota is recalling more than 2400 vehicles in New Zealand due to water pump and steering problems, just one month after 21,000 vehicles were recalled.

As many as 1612 vehicles sold new in New Zealand have been found to have a faulty steering shaft, which would make "an abnormal noise or rattle". Affected vehicles are Avensis cars manufactured between 2002 to 2008; Corollas between 2000 to 2007; and Prius between 2003 to 2009, the company said.

Another 816 earlier model Toyota Prius vehicles sold new and manufactured between June 2003 and April 2009 have also been recalled due to water pump problems. A wiring fault in these cars may lead to a failure of the pump motor, which could in turn cause the hybrid system to stop working.

Toyota is recalling a total of 2.77 million vehicles worldwide because of the faults, including around 1.51 million in Japan and 670,000 in the United States.

Toyota New Zealand spokesman Spencer Morris said in a statement last night that an unspecified number of vehicles sold as used imports may also be involved.

Morris said the recalls were precautionary, and that neither fault had resulted in any accidents.

Owners of affected vehicles will be advised to have their car inspected by an authorised Toyota dealer free of charge.

Toyota last month recalled 7.43 million vehicles globally, including 21,000 vehicles in New Zealand, due to a faulty window switch that carried a fire risk.